Learn Glossary colorant

Litholrubine Bk(E180)

Level 4Significant concernsIn Winter's Dictionary

Litholrubine Bk is a colorant — Synthetic azo dye for coloring rind of hard cheeses

What it does

Synthetic azo dye for coloring rind of hard cheeses

Where you'll see it

Hard cheese rinds

What the research says

Azo dyes can worsen asthma, rhinitis, urticaria. Symptoms include hyperactivity, asthma, skin sensitivity, insomnia. JECFA could not establish unequivocal NOEL—no ADI established.

Regulatory status

  • EU: approved
  • Notes: Banned in Australia

Sources

  • A Consumer's Dictionary of Food Additives (Winter): people who suffer from asthma, rhinitis, or the skin disease urticaria have been reported to find their symptoms become worse following consumption of azo dyes